The Rise of the Synchroettes

The Synchroettes, founded in 2001, entered the junior division for the first time in 2010, placing eighth at the National Championships in Minnesota. Now, it’s three short years later, and they’re off to Goteborg, Sweden to represent the United States of America.

Starting with two non-qualifying teams back in 2001, the Synchroettes now field ten teams, ranging from beginner to their internationally ranked junior team. According to head coach Geri Tomich, the Synchroettes’ journey to become one of the top junior teams in the country has been “nothing short of a dream coming true.”

The results from this year’s Junior World Selection Competition proved just how far the Synchroettes have come. They placed fourth in a deep field of eleven teams, ahead of former Junior World Team members, the Hockettes and Chicago Jazz, and just six points behind the 2012 Junior World Team.

Climbing to the top takes hard work, motivation, guidance and support. Tomich recognizes that “it is [her] responsibility to continue to learn and improve. [She] attends as many camps, clinics and seminars as [her] schedule permits.” Tomich also looks to other coaches, USFS judges, technical panel members, and the WIN program for advice and learning opportunities.

Teamwork is also an important element in the Synchroettes’ success. Teams share ice time and locker rooms, participate collectively in events, help each other with fundraising, and older skaters become role models for the younger skaters. During practice Tomich asks for input from her assistant coaches and spot sharers, because she believes “the more [they] work together, the better [they] become as a coaching staff.” Many members of the junior team have been skating together since juvenile and have a close bond from spending so much time together.

To prepare for international competition this season the Synchroettes added training hours both on and off the ice. According to co-captain Becca Haupt, practice “has become significantly more serious [because] the stakes have become higher and [their] goals have become larger.” Tomich agrees, and adds, “the energy level is beyond enthusiastic…the intensity of practices, with efforts to make each run through and skill better, shines through.”

The Synchroettes trip to Sweden this week to compete at the Leon Lurje Trophy with the Crystallettes and Miami University is proof that when you set goals and work hard, you can achieve them. Take if from Haupt, “even when you may become tired and frustrated with training, never give up. Believe in yourself, trust that your coaches have your best interest in mind, and trust your teammates like they are your sisters. Before you know it, you will be on Team USA answering interview questions for the Get It Called website.”

See below for the full Q & A with head coach Geri Tomich and co-captain Becca Haupt. Stay tuned for updates from the Synchroettes in Sweden!

About Get It Called

Get It Called, started by former Team USA competitors Erin Banco and Nicole Davies, is a website working to bring the U.S. Synchronized Skating community together on one interface. It serves as a network for skaters, teams, coaches, officials, administrators and trainers to connect, enhance and strengthen our community. Members of the site can stay updated on the latest happenings by engaging in forum discussions, by sharing photos and videos, and by reading narratives from current competitors.